How to Elope on Kauai

Are you ready for your super amazing, epic, GORGEOUS elopement with your bestie and soon to be spouse?? If you are looking for a U.S. wedding BUT want it somewhere tropical, we recommend that you elope on Kauai! We originally wrote about Kauai in our Top Elopement Location Trends of 2022, but this location remains at the top of our list year after year.

When to Go

There is no bad time to visit Hawaii. Which is why Hawaii made our Best Winter Elopement Locations. That tropical vacation isn’t too good to be true – Hawaii’s weather really is that nice all the time. 

Honolulu’s island location is the perfect spot if you want to avoid freezing lows at night while experiencing just a handful of days above 90 degrees. Oahu Island has the most pleasant weather in Hawaii with temperatures – even in winter, the highest temperature in Oahu is around 77 degrees F! If the quietness of Kauai is more your vibe, you’re in luck – winter is the best time for whale watching in Kauai! Imagine sailing along the Napali Coast while toasting to your future together! 

According to the National Weather Service, “for most of Hawaii, there are only two seasons: ‘summer,’  between May and October, and ‘winter,’ between October and April.” Winter essentially means there may be some rain. You know what comes with rain, good luck, beautiful rainbows, and some magical fricken photos. So, we stand by that there is no bad time to go, it’s all about YOU and what YOUR dream day looks like!

Elope in Kauai – How to Get There

While it depends on your starting location, a common stop on your way to Hawaii is Seattle, Washington (SEA). This is one of the largest airports in the U.S. so not a bad place for a layover! From SEA to Lihue, Kauai (LIH) it’s about a 6 hour flight. 

Once in Kauai, you’ll want to rent a car. Our pro travel tip is to set this up ahead of time. After your 6 hour flight from Seattle PLUS your flight before that, the last thing you are going to want to do is spend the time and energy to set that shit up. From our own experience, we recommend Turo for your rental car needs.

How do I get married in Kauai? Let’s make it Legal!

Do you need a marriage license to elope in Hawaii? Yes, yes you do. You can apply for your marriage license with a Marriage License Application. Couples can apply and pay for a marriage license as well as locate a performer (IE officiant) to complete the ceremony. Performers may also register online to be licensed by the state. 

Our Kauai wedding officiant recommendation is Frieda Gayle. Freida welcomes all types of Kauai weddings including traditional, same sex, elopement, simple marriage license signing and even last minute decisions to get married while on Kauai! YES to all of that!

Do you need a permit to get married on the beach in Kauai? 

Also yes. But you aren’t out to sea without a paddle, we gotchu. Check out the Land Division | Commercial Activities for the complete breakdown of steps. The permitted beach sites are listed in the Wiki Permit Beach Locations.  Along with the application, the applicant is required to submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance (e.g. sample certificate).  

Elopement Extras

Susan is our recommendation for your hair and makeup. While couples don’t always choose to have their hair and makeup done, if you are someone who likes that extra touch, it may be better to get it done professionally due to the humidity in Hawaii.

It also should be a fun and stress free day! Susan is a #Swiftie, Harry Potter lover, and doesn’t say no to wine. As for what she can do for you, besides be your HMU bestie, is bridal styling with hair and makeup to make you feel as flawless as you are on your special day. She travels so you can relax on your big day knowing she will be THERE! Wherever your there may be. ALSO she’s a morning person to the core and she’s always happy to do 3 AM wake up calls to make sure you’re all set for your magical morning. Ugh, love Susan. And a sunrise elopement! 

If you’re looking for some florals to make your elopement extra special, check out Blue Orchid Kauai. Choose a bouquet, corsage, boutonniere, and ceremony design. Go full Hawaiian and opt for a flower lei and Haku (head leis)!

Where to Stay When You Elope on Kauai

Kumu Camp

For our camping couples, Kumu Camp is nature + amenities. TBH we think even our non camping couples who want to really connect with Hawaii would enjoy Kumu Camp. It features rustic camping Tentalows with Queen or Twin-size beds.  Also available are campsites around the property, for individuals or groups to pitch tents or vehicle camp with access to common area showers and bathrooms. Yes, SHOWERS, a luxury not found at all camping sites! This is truly the best for your Hawaii elopement wedding.

Kumu Camp includes access to out-door pavilions, various size party tents, a yurt conference room, beach volleyball, water sports, massage services and yoga classes.  

Complimentary coffee hour daily from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.

Address: 4275 Poha Rd, Anahola, HI 96703

Koke’e State Park Campground 

Enjoy the amphitheater-headed Kalalau Valley from 4000 feet elevation. Wildland picnicking, tent camping and lodging. Hiking in native rain forest and along the rim of Waimea Canyon; additional trails in neighboring forest reserves. Excellent area for observation of native plants, forest birds and insects. Seasonal plum picking and trout fishing. Koke’e offers tent camping opportunities with minimally developed campsites. Camping Permits are currently available 90-days in advance.

The Kōkeʻe Lodge nearby is a gem. The food is AWESOME! In particular, the Kokee Pancakes changed my life. It’s 2 home-style cornmeal pancakes with house made whip cream, mixed seasonal fruit compote, candied macnuts, and real maple syrup. 

The Lodge also has live music Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is such a fun time when you elope on Kauai!

Address: Kokee Rd, Hwy 550, Kekaha, Kauai, HI

Activities When You Elope on Kauai

Waimea Canyon

Did you know there’s an incredible desert IN HAWAII?? True story. Waimea Canyon on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai can be thought of as Hawaii’s ‘grand canyon’. “Waimea” in Hawaiian means ‘reddish water’ (from the erosion of the red soil) and boy, does this red soil shine. Honestly just stopping at an overlook on the drive to trailheads takes your breath away! True adventurers go past the lookouts and get to really experience the canyon. Take the Kukui Trail for a 5-mile difficult hike that takes you 2,000 feet INTO the canyon.

You’ll enjoy waterfalls in the distance, a river at the bottom, and a gorgeous hike through the Kukui Forest. If you and your partner are looking for a real challenge, look no further than the Waimea Canyon Trail, a 13-mile hike leaving no view unseen of this incredible canyon. The red sand canyon alone makes Waimea Canyon a great pick for how to elope on Kauai.

Fun tip: Plan a day to sail along the Napali Coast so you can see the other side of this stunning island!

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach (Makua) is the most photographed beach in Hawaii! And that’s saying something with all of Hawaii’s gorgeous beaches. Check it out for shelling, snorkeling, and scuba diving during summer. 

Year round, Tunnels is a favorite surfing, winds surfing, and kite surfing beach. Lava tubes form the many underwater caverns giving Tunnels its name and a magical underwater world to explore. Take advantage of the spectacular sunset from this North Shore beach. Parking for this beach is best at Haena Beach Park, but best does not equal guaranteed. GO EARLY!!!

Shop and Experience

After you get your fill of sun and sand, shop around! The shops and restaurant options really immerse you in the beauty of Hawaiin culture. For an authentic Hawaiian experience, check out Lydgate Farms! It’s about a 3 hour tour and you learn SO much about chocolates and fruits. It’s a bit pricey at $270.00 per couple but totally worth it. 

Packing list essential when you elope in Kauai (in addition to your normal things!)

• Light sweatshirt or cover at night.
• Rain jacket- it will rain, regardless of the time of year.
• Windbreaker- especially for a helicopter tour. It does get cold if you pick the doorless option! 
• Hiking boots and socks.
• Sandals that can get wet- great for crossing streams during an adventure elopement and showering if you stay at a campsite.
• Beach towel- we like Turkish towels, it repels sand and is easy to dry. Also important – it doesn’t take up too much space.
• Hammocks. Duh.
• Books or journals for downtime.
• Headlamps – it gets dark fast!
• Dramamine for boat rides or helicopter tours. You can never be too prepared!
• Daypacks- our recommendation is Cotopaxis.
• Camping- If you are camping, bring your sleeping bags and a blanket. If you are a long time lover of Honeybee Weddings you know we don’t go anywhere without our Rumpl!
• Sunscreen – protect the sea life and buy reef-safe sunscreen! 

Additional Things to Know

There is so much to do in Kauai that it can be overwhelming. Start your list of what you and your partner want to prioritize and narrow it down before you get trapped in a Google black hole.

It is not crazy expensive if you camp, but it can all add up quickly! Especially when you start adding on the excursions. BUT, if you are choosing to elope on Kauai, this is likely BOTH a wedding and honeymoon. Decide if you want to spend your money on a resort and all of their included luxuries or if you want to go the adventure and experience route. Remember, this is YOUR DAY! Do it how you damn well please.

When visiting Kauaii, you are giving up a nightlife experience for a nature one. If you are ready to rage on your big day, pop on over to Oahu! There are not a lot of places open late in Kauai so go to bed early, and start your adventure early!! Beat the parking situations and overcrowding of the beaches. Have some special alone time with your one true love.

Be Respectful When You Elope on Kauai

The August 2023 wildfires resulted in the devastating loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites, and businesses in Lahaina, located in West Maui. Go Hawaii shares, “we are grateful for the outpouring of support for Maui from around the world, from sharing memories and offering their assistance, to asking questions about travel to Maui and the rest of the state.

Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. With the exception of Lahaina, – Maui is open and there is plenty to see and experience, however, we urge visitors to be especially respectful and mindful”

To learn more about how to travel responsible when you elope on Kauai, read here. 

all elopement packages include photography & videography and our travel is covered

Whether you’re looking for a two-day elopement experience (think: two 8 hour days of documentation, or mix it up and do a 12 hour day and a 4 hour day), a full day elopement experience (up to 12 hours of coverage), an 8 hour elopement experience, or a partial day elopement experience (up to 4 hours of coverage), we can’t wait to plan your dream elopement experience. Reach out today and let’s dream about how you are going to elope on Kauai, together! We’re here to make your dream day an unforgettable experience!